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dond - Posted - 11/19/2009: 12:09:35
I am having trouble finding any information about this banjo.
As I am new here, can anyone direct me somwhere?
Thanks!
The Old Timer - Posted - 11/19/2009: 12:24:07
On EBay you'll frequently see VEGA catalogs from that year for sale, with the V45 on the cover. You could buy one of those.
I saw Marc Pruett playing one of these about 1974 at a bluegrass festival when he was with James Monroe. Got to look it over pretty good. LOTS of ROSEWOOD and abalone, like a Martin D45. I thought it sounded and looked GREAT.
Have only ever seen one for sale used, they didn't make many!
My understanding is that it has neither a Whyte Laydie style nor TuBaPhone style tone ring, but something somewhat more like a Mastertone ring (so I hear). One thing I do know, because I called Mike Longworth to ask years ago when I saw the one used one for sale at Gruhn, the gold plating is on top of nickel plate (no copper) and is subject to wearing off very easily.
Would love to know if anyone on the BHO has one!
The Old Timer - Posted - 11/19/2009: 12:25:21
If you're anywhere near Nashville, Gruhn has a V41 in stock right now. Very similar in nickel or chrome plate instead of gold. Mechanically the same, I'm confident.
mainejohn - Posted - 11/19/2009: 15:20:39
I saw one at Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham NH about 2-3 years ago. They had a V-45 and a V-41 on consignment and sold them both as a paired set on ebay. I don't recall what they sold for, but I do recall thinking at the time that it was a reasonable price. I have the early 70's Vega/Martin catalog that has excellent photos and descriptions of both models. I see that same catalog come up for sale now and then on ebay, and they usually go for around 10-20 bucks.
dond - Posted - 11/20/2009: 06:53:45
Thanks for the response on the V-45!
I found production totals buried in a Martin Guitar Book I have.
There were only 22 made during the time Martin owned Vega.
It also has a small picture of one.
Details in all the Martin history books is pretty vague.
I will look for a catalog ans see what I can find.
The Old Timer - Posted - 11/20/2009: 08:20:59
The V45 was ONLY made under Martin ownership. If they say 22, that's all there were.
Vega never made this model themselves in Massachusetts.
mainejohn - Posted - 11/20/2009: 09:40:02
Dond: I will email you the relevant pages from my 1973 Vega/Martin catalog.
dond - Posted - 11/20/2009: 21:12:21
You folks are great!!
This site is great!!
I was just watching videos of some tenor playing.
I may have to get the Vega M Tubaphone out and learn to handle it better.
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